Bill Viola - Icons of Light

This book is widely praised for its beautiful presentation and comprehensive content, making it a valuable addition for enthusiasts of video art. Reviewers highlight the informative text by David A. Ross, an insightful conversation with Bill Viola by Lewis Hyde, and a brilliant catalogue showcasing Viola's works. It is considered a book to keep and refer to, serving as a significant document of a prominent artist's career, particularly his celebrated exhibit pieces and successful trajectory within the art world. The book also implicitly benefits from the articulate and perceptive nature of Viola's early writings, which are referenced as a positive aspect of his artistic thought.

However, the book faces criticism for its focus on Viola's institutional success and gallery-bound works, potentially overlooking his earlier, more experimental, or "guerrilla" art pieces. Some reviewers express concern that the book represents a "white cube circuit" of art, which can be exclusive, inaccessible, and may not fully capture the spirit of independent or non-commercial video art. A key drawback noted is the inherent challenge of translating the dynamic, experiential nature of Viola's video and installation art onto the static printed page, regardless of the book's production quality. This emphasis on institutional art might also reinforce a narrow historical canon, potentially at the expense of broader creative exploration.

In conclusion, this book serves as an excellent resource for readers interested in the established career of Bill Viola and his major works presented in gallery and museum settings. It is particularly suited for art students, curators, and collectors seeking a detailed visual and textual record of a prominent contemporary artist's celebrated output. However, those looking for a more comprehensive view of Viola's entire body of work, including his less-exhibited early experiments, or a critique of the institutional art world, may find its scope somewhat limited.